Many older adults have a condition known as macular degeneration, which causes often causes permanent loss of vision. This condition typically affects your central vision--the vision you use for fine detailed work, as well as for watching TV and driving. Certain nutrients and herbs may help prevent the condition. Some people use ginkgo biloba for prevention, and knowing the possible benefits will help you determine if ginkgo is the right choice for your eyes. As with starting any new treatments, consult your doctor first.
Causes
The macula is an area of tissue on the back of the eye, and macular degeneration occurs when the cells of the macula start to break down. In some people, the damage may progress, resulting in the growth of abnormal blood vessels underneath the macula. These thin, fragile vessels may burst, causing blood to leak under the macula. This bleeding will result in macular swelling, which will typically lift the macula, further distorting vision.
Benefits
Ginkgo biloba extract comes from the leaves of ginkgo trees, and as one of the most used and widely studied leaves, ginkgo biloba plays a significant part in the history of herbal remedies. In macular degeneration, ginkgo biloba cannot repair damage to the macular tissue, but the extract may help protect the cells, aiding in preventing the condition. The leaves contain many components, but many believe flavonoids and terpenoids provide the medicinal value to ginkgo biloba, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Flavonoids in particular may provide the best protection from macular degeneration since the antioxidant properties could help protect the cells from damage.
Dosage
You can find ginkgo biloba in pill, capsule or liquid form, as well as dried leaves for making ginkgo tea. A daily dose of ginkgo biloba may range from 120 mg to 240 mg. Your doctor can help you determine the dose appropriate for your eyes and overall health condition.
Additional Prevention
In addition to ginkgo biloba, certain vitamins and minerals may also provide protection against progressive damage from macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute conducted a study and determined that vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper may reduce the likelihood of macular degeneration by around 25 percent. Many supplements contain high doses of these nutrients, and they often have a label that states "eye vitamin," or other indication that the supplement contains these important nutrients.
Considerations
If you decide to take ginkgo biloba for macular degeneration, you should discuss your decision with your doctor prior to taking the extract. Ginkgo may have adverse effects when taken in combination with certain medications or if you have a health condition such as epilepsy. Your doctor will help determine if ginkgo is appropriate for your overall health and how much you should take each day.
